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Peaceful meadow and hills

Standardization community loses a visionary in standards and innovation

Peter Merrill, a true legend in standards development work, suddenly passed on January 5, 2025. Among his many accomplishments, he received the 2024 ISO Excellence Award for leading the development of a new standard on innovation management systems, ISO 56001.

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Peter Merrill

Peter, a quality guru in the ’80s and ’90s, consulted to some of the largest corporations in Canada on quality and innovation, and was a top expert long before ISO/TC 279 Innovation management was established. As member of ISO/TC 176 Quality Management, he led numerous projects over the last 30 years and was a former chair at the American Society for Quality (ASQ). 

He joined the ASQ Toronto section before 1979, then became the section program chair, and later the Toronto ASQ forum chair, then director/senior advisor to the section. He founded and twice chaired the ASQ Innovation Division. He held the chair of the Canadian National Committee on Innovation for ISO from 2013 to 2022. He led the International Working Group which developed the Guideline on ‘People Involvement’ in Management Systems and was one of North America’s foremost authorities on management systems. 

Peter played an important role in ISO/TC 279 since it was established in December 2013. His vision, knowledge and perseverance enriched Innovation Management System standards, ISO 56002 and ISO 56001. His efforts since 2018 were vital to brining ISO 56001 to market. His contributions will continue to impact ISO/TC 279. 

Peter was actively involved in ASQ, CSA and ISO committee work until his passing. He continued to support ASQ on revisions, and ISO/TC 279 with the new work item proposal on management system auditor competence for the ISO committee for conformity assessment. 

His charisma, passion, energy and exceptional competence were remarkable, and he made a lasting impact on everyone he encountered. We wish him peace and extend our condolences to his family during this difficult time.